READING: Revelation 12-17
I’ve studied spiritual warfare for a lot of years. For decades, even. I know the enemy is deceitful, evil, and scheming. He is bent on destruction and death. And, sometimes it seems like he’s winning. Peruse the news accounts from this past year, and you’ll likely have that same sense.
That’s why these repetitive texts in today’s reading are so encouraging and comforting to me:
- “Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels also fought, but he could not prevail, and there was no place for them in heaven any longer.” (Rev 12:7-8)
- “So the great dragon was thrown out—the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world. He was thrown to earth, and his angels with him.” (Rev 12:9)
- “the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been thrown down.” (Rev 12:10)
- “he [the devil] knows his time is short.” (Rev 12:12)
Scholars debate the nature and timing of the events to which these verses refer, but what is not debatable is the ultimate defeat of the Enemy and his forces. They will not prevail. There is no room for them in heaven. They have been thrown out and thrown down. They know their time is limited.
You see, Jesus has already disarmed the powers through His death (Col 2:15)—and they will not win. That’s good news as we look toward a new year.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: In what ways are these verses encouraging to you?
PRAYER: “God, You are the victory. Amen.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Revelation 18-22